Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
AI is reshaping retail in the Middle East, with procurement and customer experience leading adoption. The region is also outpacing global peers in AR and computer vision use, though challenges in complexity and regulation remain.
Saudi shoppers are moving from browsing to buying directly on social apps, with Snapchat playing a major role in QSR, electronics, travel, and fashion. AI, AR, creators, and personal connections now define the path to purchase, giving brands powerful new ways to reach consumers in the Kingdom.
Spoilz, a Saudi gaming studio, has secured investment from Merak Capital, Impact46, and others to expand development and LiveOps services. The funding will strengthen its pipeline of culturally relevant, globally scalable mobile games while supporting Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goal of becoming a global gaming hub.
Islamabad will soon have free Wi-Fi at 35 major locations including markets, bus stations, and parks. The CDA-NTC project aims to make Islamabad Pakistan’s first free Wi-Fi city, with revenue reinvested for sustainability. Chairman Muhammad Ali Randhawa assured uninterrupted, high-quality connectivity for residents.
Infinix HOT 60 Pro+ has entered the Guinness World Records as the thinnest 3D curved display smartphone at 5.95mm, verified in Indonesia on August 22, 2025. Sleek yet powerful, the device combines cutting-edge design and performance, positioning Infinix as a bold innovator in global smartphone history.
Pakistan’s telecom operators invested Rs. 267.6 billion over three years, with Jazz leading at Rs. 95.45 billion, followed by Zong, Ufone, and Telenor. Despite this, service quality gaps persist, prompting PTA to issue warnings and show-cause notices. Over 65,000 complaints were filed, mainly about data services.
Yango has launched a new Transport Service in Muscat, integrating public bus routes into its Superapp to simplify mobility. Covering 13 city and 2 intercity routes, the free feature adds to Yango’s existing services in Oman, including ride-hailing and delivery.
Algorithmic warfare is reshaping digital landscapes across the Arab and Islamic world, targeting youth identity and societal cohesion. While these campaigns are a threat, awareness, digital literacy, and algorithmic accountability can build resilience.
Oman has chosen ‘Shahin’ as the official name for its national EV charging app, integrating all charging operators into one platform. Backed by MTCIT, the initiative supports net-zero goals, hydrogen mobility, and potential regional expansion, with more than 150 chargers and 1,500 EVs already in use.
Nepal recorded Rs 98.43 trillion in electronic transactions in FY 2024/25, a 71% jump from the previous year. RTGS dominated with Rs 74.9 trillion, while mobile banking, QR codes, and e-commerce payments also grew, reflecting strong momentum toward a cashless economy.